2024 Development West Coast Tertiary Scholarships announced

This year’s scholarships have been awarded to Cameron Dickey from Grey District, Jack Dennehy-Coles from Westland District, Emily O’Loughlin from Buller District, and Charlotte Sweney, the recipient of the regional scholarship. Additionally, a new annual scholarship sponsored by WMS Group has been awarded to Kaira Lourie from Westland High School.

The scholarships are designed to grow and retain highly talented West Coast youth in the region by removing barriers to training and employment.

Valued at up to $32,500 per student, the scholarships offer more than just financial assistance. They include summer work opportunities and a guarantee of employment in the West Coast upon completion of the recipients' tertiary education.

Chief Executive Heath Milne said DWC received 33 scholarship applications, “all of a really high calibre.”

“This is definitely one of the highlights of our year at DWC. Reviewing the applications drives home how much talent we've got here on the Coast. It's incredibly important that we find ways to retain these amazing young Coasters in our communities.

“Many of our best and brightest have to go out of the region for university and too many don’t come back. The scholarships are about encouraging them to come back to the Coast.

"There are plenty of great career paths to explore here. We've got businesses, both well-established and progressive, who are on the lookout for skilled staff to help meet their growth aspirations."

Milne expressed enthusiasm about WMS Group coming on board offering another annual scholarship. He highlighted the importance of this scholarship in nurturing local talent, to support an exciting new industry in the region.

DWC vocational coordinator Jade Mahuika said, “we look forward to working alongside these outstanding individuals over the next four years.”

Into its third year, there are now 12 DWC scholarship recipients.

“It’s exciting to think about the value and impact these talented rangatahi will make right here in our region,” Mahuika added.